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When I started this journey, one year ago, I had no idea where it might take me. I really didn’t even think about how I would find 365 people to bring pies to! I just woke up with this idea… and had a friend (Thank you Debbie) who encouraged me to pursue it. And once the idea was set in motion, I never really thought of stopping. Certainly there were times when I wondered if this was the path that I should be on, but I never even considered ending the journey early.

There are so many people who I met this year that I would never have met otherwise. Often, because I was willing to make a pie for someone in need, I became part of a greater story. I can’t help but think that each and every time we are willing to give of ourselves… or step outside of our comfort zones… that we have an opportunity to meet people who can show us a part of the world (or ourselves) that until then has remained hidden.

This blog is called “Pie a Day Giveaway”, but I feel that I have been given an extraordinary gift time and time again. I wish that everyone could know the feeling that comes when you are able to make someone else feel better. It is overwhelming and wonderful all at once… and I think if you could bottle this feeling, you’d make a fortune. Instead, the treasures that you gather are unseen, but bring a sense of satisfaction just the same.

Today I wanted to recognize the Ashland Rotary Club for their outstanding service to the community. I knew I could not give each of them a pie, and so I brought enough pie for all ninety of them to have one piece. When the president of the club, David, called upon me I explained this to the membership and read from one of the thank you notes that I received this past year. Here is an excerpt:

“What a way to make someone feel on top of the world! A simple yet totally generous thing to do…. I continue to feel completely overwhelmed at the honor. … Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Honestly, I’d have made a pie everyday just to get that one note. It really meant that much to me.

Finally, tonight I bid you all sweet dreams… but not farewell… for this is a leap year after all!

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
John F. Kennedy

PS I was honored to be featured in the local paper today. You can see that article here.

Today is a huge milestone for this blog (and me). As of today, I am halfway towards my goal of a making pie a day for a year! In a way, it feels as if I’ve only just begun – but it’s already been six months now.

And this all began because I had a crazy idea in the middle of the night to make “a pie a day” my gratitude project. The next morning I met my friend Debbie and asked her to talk some sense into me… but instead she encouraged me to follow through with this project, and I am very glad that she did. Debbie also sent me 250 pie tins so that I would not have to ask for my pie plates back every day (something I had not thought much about).

When I had my “grand idea” it seemed so simple – make a pie a day and give it away. There was no thought about the time it might take, the people I might meet, the emotions that would surface. I’ve spent time with folks that I might not have otherwise had the opportunity to visit; I’ve heard the words, “You’ve made my day” more times than I can count. It has been a wonderful experience so far and I am looking forward to see where the rest of the year takes me.

Today I wanted to thank Debbie for her tremendous support of my “pie” endeavor with a beautiful frittata. She saw my idea as something wonderful and I am most grateful for that.

Only she who attempts the absurd can achieve the impossible. Claire Goldberg Moses

Today is a small milestone in this yearlong journey of making pies. Yes, there are still many pies ahead of me but it feels like a good time to pause for a moment and take an assessment. If you were to ask me what I have learned so far, I would tell you that I have found that the simple act of giving someone a pie can have profound consequences. Many times, though not always, I have felt that I have been in the absolute right place at the right time. For example, I brought someone a quiche only to find out that they were incredibly busy that day and had not had time to even think about dinner. And there have been a number of times when I’ve brought a pie to someone and was able to make a not so good day seem a bit brighter.

I will admit that this is not a project that make sense to everyone. One friend saw me preparing to deliver my pie and said rather dryly, “Go on…. you go make someone’s day.” I left the house feeling a bit put off by his comment. What was he trying to say? Later, when I was leaving the house of that day’s pie recipient, she said, “You know Karen, you really made my day.” How about that. I was able to make someone’s day by bringing them a pie!

My friend Debbie told me that this is probably the best possible project for me – because I love to bake and I love to share stories about the people who have touched my life. If you think about it, this pie adventure is composed of many different threads. And as the threads come together they create a tapestry that tells the story of my life. I am truly blessed – and very lucky that I am able to give thanks to those who have helped me along the way.

Today, I brought a Marionberry Pie to Debbie at Southern Oregon University. She is my neighbor, but she has also been a tremendous resource for my family as we have navigated the maze of financial aid for college. And Debbie was the first person who “suspected” that a pie was awaiting her. Seems this “project” is not as secret as I thought!

As I continue on this journey, I am buoyed by the encouragement and support that has been shown by my friends. Below is an example of this support – a necklace that my friend Pam had made especially for me. Such a lovely gift. Didn’t I say that I was blessed?